The Academy of Learning Winnipeg North provides a solid example of the student-centric core value in action. The day prior to our visit to the college, a student who was interested in attending AOL learned that she had scored poorly on the school’s pre-admission test. Rather than merely suggesting an alternative institution where the student could receive academic upgrading, AOL operator, Terry Taylor, took the student to a school that offered an upgrading program of study and introduced her to its admissions officers. Once academic upgrading has been completed the student will be eligible to enroll at AOL Winnipeg North.

Some students have limited financial resources that can make it challenging to purchase both food for their families and workplace appropriate clothing. Again, AOL Winnipeg North intervenes by helping students access community resources such as food banks and local clothing providers. Regularly Mr. Taylor informs the student body that any student requiring help with purchasing interview/work appropriate clothing should see Mrs. Taylor for assistance. Ms. Taylor interviews students in need, completes an application, and forwards it to a local clothing outlet that specializes in new end-of-run business attire. An appointment is arranged for the student and, if needed, transportation is provided. The store’s staff close the store for the appointed time and then provide personal assistance to help students select up to three new work appropriate outfits that are provided at no cost.

The student-centric core value impacts every initiative at AOL Winnipeg North. It displays a personal and deep rooted commitment by the college ownership to the student body. While it is rather obvious that such student centered initiatives have not been instituted from a profit motive, there is evidence of measurable benefit to the school. Since 2002, student enrollment has improved by more than 40 percent and student loan repayment rates have improved by more than 100 percent.